Through the juxtaposition of two closely-related but highly contrasting characters in a written work, writers can indirectly express an essential message for readers to ponder about throughout the work. In Gish Jen’s “The White Umbrella,” this is noted by the descriptions of how Mona and the narrator communicate, act, and think. As the two Chinese-American sisters share the same background, the way each girl feels about her identity strongly differs from the other. On a personal level, the two girls consider their cultural identities dissimilarly; highlighting how one’s personal background and experiences can influence the way one identifies themselves. This essay will examine this juxtaposition to answer the question of determining the difference
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Mentioned in the beginning, their mother had started to work and come home late without direct explanation. To this change in their daily life, the narrator hadn’t say a word. On the other hand, Mona had found this behavior odd, protesting that it was completely normal for her to work as other American mothers were doing the same, explained in the following quote: “But why shouldn’t I?” she argued. “Lot’s of people’s mothers work.”
“Those are American people,” I said.
“So what do you think we are? I can do the Pledge of Allegiance with my eyes closed.” (Jen, 1). In this quote, one can clearly see the different perspectives Mona and the narrator have on Americans. Mona identifies herself and her family as full-fledged Americans. She even threw in a supporting statement for her argument; being able to say the Pledge of Allegiance, which is a pledge taught to every American from a small age at elementary school. However, the narrator draws a line between herself and her family from other American families. This conversation shows how Mona and the narrator view each other differently despite sharing the same cultural …show more content…
For example, when Mona and the narrator went to Miss Crossman’s abode to take their piano lessons, the difference in the way the two girls acted around their piano teacher is strongly notable. As each girl took their individual lesson, the contrasting behaviors between them reflected their personalities. During her piano lesson with Miss Crossman, Mona acted freely and did what she pleased, presuming on the goodwill of Miss Crossman. In contrast, the narrator had done her best to impress Miss Crossman during her lesson; trying to earn her recognition while fretting about the details during the process. Through this difference, it is apparent how Mona considers herself and Miss Crossman as people on the same social level, whereas the narrator differentiates herself from Miss Crossman. In conversations with Miss Crossman, it is noted that the narrator makes several unintentional lies in order to make up for difference between herself and Miss Crossman. She seems to view Miss Crossman as a typical (or ideal) American, as she is wealthy and even possesses a rather longed-for ‘white umbrella.’ After being praised on her piano playing, the narrator thought the following: “I looked at the keyboard, wishing that I had still a third, even more difficult piece to play for her. I wanted to tell her that I was the school
Mentioned in the beginning, their mother had started to work and come home late without direct explanation. To this change in their daily life, the narrator hadn’t say a word. On the other hand, Mona had found this behavior odd, protesting that it was completely normal for her to work as other American mothers were doing the same, explained in the following quote: “But why shouldn’t I?” she argued. “Lot’s of people’s mothers work.”
“Those are American people,” I said.
“So what do you think we are? I can do the Pledge of Allegiance with my eyes closed.” (Jen, 1). In this quote, one can clearly see the different perspectives Mona and the narrator have on Americans. Mona identifies herself and her family as full-fledged Americans. She even threw in a supporting statement for her argument; being able to say the Pledge of Allegiance, which is a pledge taught to every American from a small age at elementary school. However, the narrator draws a line between herself and her family from other American families. This conversation shows how Mona and the narrator view each other differently despite sharing the same cultural …show more content…
For example, when Mona and the narrator went to Miss Crossman’s abode to take their piano lessons, the difference in the way the two girls acted around their piano teacher is strongly notable. As each girl took their individual lesson, the contrasting behaviors between them reflected their personalities. During her piano lesson with Miss Crossman, Mona acted freely and did what she pleased, presuming on the goodwill of Miss Crossman. In contrast, the narrator had done her best to impress Miss Crossman during her lesson; trying to earn her recognition while fretting about the details during the process. Through this difference, it is apparent how Mona considers herself and Miss Crossman as people on the same social level, whereas the narrator differentiates herself from Miss Crossman. In conversations with Miss Crossman, it is noted that the narrator makes several unintentional lies in order to make up for difference between herself and Miss Crossman. She seems to view Miss Crossman as a typical (or ideal) American, as she is wealthy and even possesses a rather longed-for ‘white umbrella.’ After being praised on her piano playing, the narrator thought the following: “I looked at the keyboard, wishing that I had still a third, even more difficult piece to play for her. I wanted to tell her that I was the school